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Hi all,
We have some "old growth beech" wood. Very old. We think it was cut down in the 1850s. Super hard wood-- you have to drill a hole to put a nail in it. What would a mandolin made out of this look like? Is it possible? Who would do it for a reasonable price (under $2k)?
Thanks,
--Sam
I had a banjo with a beech neck many years ago and it was a darn good sounding banjo. Great straight grain the entire of length of the neck. It also had a 1/4" ebony fingerboard.
I’ve made a few cellos with beech ribs (in fact, I’m making one right now). If it is well quartered it can have pretty stunning fleck and figure, kind of similar to sycamore or lacewood. I think it would work well as mandolin wood because of its density. A lot of cheap factory violins were made with it, but I also know of one Guarneri del Gesu made of beech that looks pretty cool (if that’s your thing). Attachment 202642Attachment 202643
Budweiser had some success with beechwood aging.....;)
Can you post a photo of the wood?
If it is as hard as you say, I don't think many builders would want to deal with it at that price point. Builders usually have a stash of wood that they are familiar with and gives them the results they expect.
Beech can be comparable to hardmaple in many characteristics (I'm not sure how much US beech differs from our european though).
BTW, that beech backed Guarneri del Gesu violin is named "the Terminator"... for its tone (and perhaps somewhat rustic looks :-) )
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Here are a few pictures. Thanks for your help so far, everyone! Looking forward to hear if anyone else has any suggestions...
Looks like it has a lot of bug damage? Powderpost beetle?
I'm a little worried about that. Hoping some of the other wood doesn't have it. Would the bug damage make it impossible to build with?
The woodworm damage is usually worse inside than on surface. You only see few enter/exit holes but there will be lot of damage inside making use of such piece unpredictable.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mandolinian
BTW, I wouldn't keep that piece in my house or shop to make sure the bugs won't get into other wood. Even keeping it in plastic bags won't help (they bite through thick plastic like nothing).